De gerechtigheid van Trajanus 1475 - 1500

This bronze relief called "The Justice of Trajan" was created by the Master of the Death of Absalom. The warm, rich tones and the tactile quality of the bronze invite you to consider the lost-wax casting process used to make it. Molten bronze would have been poured into a mold, itself made from a wax model. The level of detail achieved speaks to the skill of the artist. This was a painstaking process, requiring expertise in sculpting, mold-making, and metalworking. The final bronze, with its complex textures, embodies many hours of labor. But why bronze, and not another material? Bronze was associated with power and permanence, and was often used for commemorative works. By employing this material, the Master of the Death of Absalom elevated this depiction of Trajan to something more than just a pretty picture. He wanted it to last, and to convey authority. Thinking about materiality and making helps us to understand the work more fully, appreciating the skill and intent behind its creation.